New Year's Eve in Paris

There's possibly no better time to enjoy the benefits of a wonderful apartment rentals in Paris as during the New Year.

After all, New Year's lasts an entire month in Paris, roughly speaking. The French celebration of "Saint Sylvestre" begins January 1st, with cries of "bonne annee" beginning at midnight and lasting until the 1st of February.

New Year's Eve in Paris means flowing champagne, vin chaud (mulled wine) and hot cider. Fireworks are common throughout the city, so watch your eyes and get ready for a fun night out.

Major draws during other times of the year are certainly no exception on this exciting night, with the Champs Elysées being the hot-spot for locals and tourists alike, the equivalent of Times Square in the U.S. Not for those who hate crowds, there are firework displays along the avenue and occasional pickpockets, so do exercise normal caution.

It never needs mentioning that the Eiffel Tower is a "must-see" attraction, as this is perhaps never more so than on New Year's Eve, as the light show goes into overdrive at the stroke of midnight.

There are several long- and Paris short term rentals that let you take in the show, whether with a glorious view or simply by letting you live in central Paris, near the fun and excitement.

Food-lovers should consider exploring special holiday menus offered at various restaurants around the city. You may want to check in advance to see if any special dress codes apply (and the same is true of any parties you plan on attending). It's a special night, and as a result politeness suggests finding out what each event may require or suggest. Whatever you choose in terms of restaurants, book as early as possible in advance.

A Seine cruise is another wonderful way to soak up the excitement of the night, in a somewhat more leisurely fashion, and there are several companies to choose from. Bateaux Parisiens is an established Seine cruise company, as are Bateaux Mouches, Yachts de Paris and several more. Many cruises include dinner, music, champagne, and other amenities. Reservations are almost always required in advance.

Sometimes it's the little pleasures that make holidays special.

So while in town for the holidays, head to a Paris supermarket and look for papillottes.

Papillottes (which originated in Lyon) are chocolates or fruit jellies which contain a message in the wrapper. When opened, they pop like small firecrackers. Papillotes are classic Christmas treats in France, with the same iconic importance as the candy cane in the U.S.

According to legend, they were created by a young man working in a candy shop, in love with a girl downstairs. He wrapped loved notes around the candies and tossed them into her window, causing sparks to fly (figuratively and almost literally). The rest is history.

New Year's Eve in a magical time wherever you are. Whether you choose a mystical night in the Montmartre, a quiet walk by the Seine, or losing yourself amongst the crowds of the Champs Elysées, there's quite possibly no better way to ring in the New Year than in one of the world's most beautiful cities.